Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A system comprising: a scanning device operable by a user to scan teeth of the user to acquire images of the teeth, the scanning device comprising: a camera configured to acquire the images; a guide configured to orient the camera with respect to the teeth to facilitate acquisition of the images; a server system configured to receive the images acquired by the scanning device; and a dental aligner fabrication system configured to develop a treatment plan for the user based on the images received by the server system.
Dental technology. This invention addresses the need for efficient and user-friendly acquisition of dental images for the purpose of creating personalized dental aligners. The system includes a scanning device designed for user operation. This scanning device is equipped with a camera to capture images of a user's teeth. To ensure accurate image capture, the scanning device incorporates a guide that helps orient the camera correctly relative to the teeth. The captured images are transmitted to a server system. This server system then processes the received images. Based on the analysis of these images, a dental aligner fabrication system is configured to develop a customized treatment plan for the user. This plan is specifically tailored to the user's dental condition as revealed by the scanned images, enabling the creation of precise dental aligners.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dental aligner fabrication system is configured to manufacture a plurality of dental aligners based on the treatment plan, the plurality of dental aligners being specific to the user and being configured to reposition one or more of the teeth of the user.
This invention relates to a dental aligner fabrication system designed to produce customized dental aligners for orthodontic treatment. The system addresses the need for precise, patient-specific dental aligners that gradually reposition teeth according to a predefined treatment plan. The system generates a series of aligners tailored to the user's dental anatomy, ensuring accurate and progressive tooth movement. Each aligner in the sequence is uniquely shaped to apply controlled forces to one or more teeth, guiding them into the desired positions over time. The system integrates digital scanning, treatment planning, and manufacturing processes to create multiple aligners that collectively achieve the intended orthodontic correction. The aligners are fabricated using materials and techniques that ensure durability, comfort, and effectiveness throughout the treatment duration. This approach eliminates the need for manual adjustments and provides a streamlined, automated solution for producing personalized dental aligners.
3. The system of claim 1 , the scanning device further comprising a communications circuit configured to communicate the images to the server system via a mobile device separate from the scanning device.
This invention relates to a system for capturing and processing images of documents or objects using a scanning device that communicates with a server system via an intermediary mobile device. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently transferring scanned images from a dedicated scanning device to a remote server, particularly in environments where the scanning device lacks direct network connectivity. The scanning device includes an imaging module to capture images of documents or objects and a communications circuit that transmits these images to a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which then relays the data to the server system. The mobile device acts as an intermediary, leveraging its existing network capabilities (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular) to ensure reliable data transfer. The server system processes the received images, which may involve optical character recognition (OCR), document classification, or other analytical tasks. This approach simplifies deployment by eliminating the need for direct network hardware in the scanning device, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining functionality. The system is particularly useful in mobile or remote settings where traditional wired or wireless connections may be unavailable or impractical.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the mobile device is a device of the user.
A system for managing user authentication and access control in a networked environment. The system addresses the problem of secure and convenient user authentication across multiple devices and services by leveraging a user's mobile device as a trusted authentication factor. The mobile device, which is uniquely associated with the user, is used to verify the user's identity and authorize access to various services or systems. The system includes a mobile device that communicates with an authentication server to establish and verify the user's identity. The authentication server validates the user's credentials and grants access based on the mobile device's authentication status. The system may also include additional security measures, such as biometric verification or multi-factor authentication, to enhance security. The mobile device acts as a primary authentication factor, ensuring that only the legitimate user can access the associated services. This approach improves security by reducing reliance on static passwords and simplifies the authentication process by using a device the user already possesses. The system is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices or services require secure access, such as enterprise networks, cloud services, or financial applications. The mobile device's role as a trusted authentication factor ensures that access is granted only to the legitimate user, mitigating risks associated with stolen or compromised credentials.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the server system is in wireless communication with the mobile device and the dental aligner fabrication system, the server system configured to receive the images from the mobile device and generate a high-resolution reconstruction of the images.
This invention relates to a dental aligner fabrication system that integrates mobile imaging and cloud-based processing. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing and processing dental impressions using mobile devices, which often produce lower-resolution images compared to traditional dental scanners. The system includes a mobile device configured to capture images of a patient's teeth, a dental aligner fabrication system for producing custom aligners, and a server system that wirelessly communicates with both. The server system receives the images from the mobile device and generates a high-resolution reconstruction of the dental structure. This reconstruction is then used to guide the fabrication of precise dental aligners. The system may also include a calibration mechanism to ensure accurate image alignment and a user interface for adjusting the reconstruction. The server system processes the images to correct distortions and enhance resolution, enabling the fabrication system to produce aligners that fit the patient's teeth with high precision. The invention improves accessibility by allowing dental professionals to use mobile devices for initial imaging while ensuring the final aligners meet clinical standards.
6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the scanning device is configured to determine a confidence level associated with the scan, the mobile device is configured to determine an accuracy of the scan, and the server system is configured to perform high-resolution reconstruction of the images acquired during the scan.
This invention relates to a system for high-resolution imaging and reconstruction, particularly for applications requiring precise scan accuracy and confidence assessment. The system includes a scanning device, a mobile device, and a server system working together to capture, analyze, and reconstruct high-resolution images. The scanning device is designed to perform scans and determine a confidence level associated with the scan quality, ensuring reliability in the captured data. The mobile device processes the scan data to assess its accuracy, providing feedback on the precision of the captured images. The server system then performs high-resolution reconstruction of the images, enhancing their detail and clarity. This system is particularly useful in fields where accurate and high-resolution imaging is critical, such as medical diagnostics, industrial inspections, or scientific research. By integrating confidence assessment and accuracy verification, the system ensures that the final reconstructed images meet stringent quality standards. The collaboration between the scanning device, mobile device, and server system allows for efficient and reliable image processing, improving the overall accuracy and usability of the reconstructed data.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the scanning device comprises a plurality of cameras configured to acquire the images.
A system for capturing and analyzing images of a scene includes a scanning device with multiple cameras to acquire the images. The cameras are arranged to provide overlapping or complementary views of the scene, ensuring comprehensive coverage and reducing blind spots. The system processes these images to extract relevant data, such as object detection, tracking, or environmental mapping. The use of multiple cameras enhances accuracy by providing redundant or diverse perspectives, improving the system's ability to handle varying lighting conditions, occlusions, or dynamic environments. This setup is particularly useful in applications like surveillance, autonomous navigation, or industrial inspection, where reliable and detailed image acquisition is critical. The system may further include processing modules to merge, filter, or analyze the captured images in real-time or offline, depending on the application requirements. The cameras may be synchronized or operate independently, depending on the system configuration. This multi-camera approach ensures robust and high-fidelity image data collection for subsequent analysis.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the scanning device comprises a projector configured to combine the images acquired by the plurality of cameras.
The system relates to imaging technology, specifically a scanning device for capturing and processing images from multiple cameras. The problem addressed is the need for a unified and accurate representation of images acquired from different perspectives or sensors, which is critical in applications like 3D scanning, medical imaging, or surveillance. The system includes a scanning device equipped with a projector that merges images from multiple cameras into a single, coherent output. This projector may use techniques such as image stitching, alignment, or blending to ensure seamless integration of the captured data. The cameras may be arranged in a fixed or adjustable configuration to cover a wide field of view or to capture images from different angles. The projector component enhances the system by improving image quality, reducing distortion, and providing a more comprehensive view of the scanned object or area. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where high-resolution, multi-angle imaging is required, such as in industrial inspections, medical diagnostics, or environmental monitoring. The system may also include additional processing modules to refine the combined image, such as noise reduction, color correction, or depth mapping, to further enhance the final output.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the guide is configured to interface with a first tooth of the teeth of the user to orient the camera to capture an image of a second tooth of the teeth of the user.
This invention relates to a dental imaging system designed to capture accurate images of a user's teeth for diagnostic or treatment planning purposes. The system addresses the challenge of obtaining precise dental images by ensuring proper alignment and positioning of the imaging device relative to the teeth. The system includes a guide that interfaces with a first tooth to orient a camera, allowing it to capture an image of a second tooth. The guide ensures consistent positioning, reducing variability in image capture and improving diagnostic accuracy. The camera may be part of an intraoral scanner or other imaging device, and the guide may be adjustable to accommodate different tooth shapes and positions. The system may also include a support structure to stabilize the camera during imaging. By using the guide to reference a first tooth, the system ensures that the camera is correctly aligned to capture high-quality images of the target second tooth, enhancing the reliability of dental assessments. This approach is particularly useful in orthodontics, restorative dentistry, and other dental applications where precise imaging is critical.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the camera is oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis being coaxial with a body of the scanning device, wherein the angle is between 105 degrees and 170 degrees.
A scanning device includes a camera oriented at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis, which is coaxial with the body of the device. The angle ranges between 105 degrees and 170 degrees. This configuration allows the camera to capture images or data from a specific perspective, improving visibility or coverage in applications such as industrial inspection, medical imaging, or quality control. The angled orientation may enhance the device's ability to scan surfaces, detect defects, or gather data from hard-to-reach areas. The scanning device may also include a light source to illuminate the target area, ensuring clear and accurate imaging. The camera's positioning and angle are optimized to balance between direct viewing and oblique scanning, depending on the application requirements. This design may be particularly useful in environments where traditional perpendicular imaging is insufficient, such as in curved or uneven surfaces. The system may further include processing components to analyze the captured data, providing real-time feedback or storing information for later review. The overall design aims to improve scanning efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability in various operational settings.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein a mobile application installed on a mobile device is configured to display the images to the user during or after the user performs the scan.
A system for mobile device-based scanning and image display involves a mobile application installed on a mobile device that captures images of objects or environments using the device's camera. The system processes these images to extract relevant data, such as object recognition, environmental mapping, or other analytical information. The mobile application then displays the captured images to the user during or after the scanning process. This allows users to review the images in real-time or afterward, ensuring accuracy and providing visual feedback. The system may also include additional features such as image enhancement, annotation, or sharing capabilities to improve usability. The technology addresses the need for portable, user-friendly scanning solutions that provide immediate visual feedback, making it useful in applications like augmented reality, inventory management, or environmental monitoring. The system ensures that users can verify the quality and relevance of the scanned images, enhancing the overall scanning experience.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the images displayed to the user indicate a progress of the scan.
A system for medical imaging, particularly for ultrasound or other imaging modalities, addresses the challenge of providing real-time feedback to users during a scanning procedure. The system includes a display interface that shows images to the user, where these images visually represent the progress of the scan. The images may include indicators such as color-coded regions, progress bars, or dynamic overlays that update as the scan advances. This helps users, such as medical professionals, monitor the completeness and accuracy of the scan in real time, ensuring optimal coverage and reducing the need for repeated scans. The system may also include a scanning device, such as an ultrasound probe, that captures data and processes it to generate the progress indicators. The display interface dynamically adjusts the visual representation based on the scan's current state, providing immediate feedback on areas that have been scanned and those that remain. This enhances efficiency and accuracy in medical imaging procedures.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the mobile application is configured to display the progress of the scan to the user by displaying a generic tooth model that is replaced with a model of the teeth of the user as the scan of the teeth progresses.
This invention relates to dental scanning systems that use mobile devices to capture intraoral images and generate 3D models of a user's teeth. The system addresses the challenge of providing real-time feedback during dental scanning, ensuring accurate and complete data capture. The mobile application processes the captured images to construct a 3D model of the user's teeth, allowing for dental analysis, treatment planning, or orthodontic monitoring. A key feature is the display of a generic tooth model that dynamically updates as the scan progresses, gradually replacing the generic model with the user's actual teeth. This visual feedback helps the user and clinician track scan progress, ensuring all necessary areas are captured. The system may also include image processing algorithms to enhance scan quality, such as noise reduction or alignment correction, and may integrate with cloud-based platforms for storage or sharing. The invention improves user experience by providing intuitive, real-time visualization of the scanning process, reducing errors and improving efficiency in dental diagnostics and treatment planning.
14. The system of claim 11 , wherein the mobile application is configured to determine that the images are suitable to manufacture a dental aligner and to display an indication to the user indicating that the images are suitable to manufacture a dental aligner.
This invention relates to a system for dental aligner manufacturing, specifically addressing the need for automated assessment of patient images to determine their suitability for creating custom dental aligners. The system includes a mobile application that captures or receives images of a patient's teeth, such as intraoral scans or photographs. The application processes these images using image analysis algorithms to assess their quality and suitability for aligner production. If the images meet predefined criteria—such as resolution, clarity, and coverage—the system generates a visual or textual indication confirming their suitability. This feedback helps users ensure the images are adequate before proceeding with aligner manufacturing, reducing errors and improving efficiency. The system may also include a server for further processing or validation of the images, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the aligner design process. The invention streamlines the workflow for dental professionals and patients by automating the initial assessment step, minimizing the need for manual review and rework.
15. The system of claim 11 , wherein the mobile application is configured to determine that the images are not suitable to manufacture a dental aligner and to display an indication to the user indicating that the images are not suitable to manufacture a dental aligner.
This invention relates to a dental imaging system for manufacturing dental aligners. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring that captured dental images are of sufficient quality to produce accurate and effective dental aligners. The system includes a mobile application that processes images of a user's teeth to assess their suitability for aligner manufacturing. If the images are determined to be unsuitable, the application provides a clear indication to the user, prompting them to retake the images or seek professional assistance. The system may also include a server that receives and further analyzes the images, verifying their quality before proceeding with aligner production. The mobile application and server work together to ensure that only high-quality images are used, reducing errors and improving the final aligner's fit and effectiveness. The invention aims to streamline the aligner manufacturing process by automating quality control at the image capture stage, minimizing the need for manual review and reducing production delays.
16. The system of claim 11 , wherein the mobile application is configured to display the progress of the scan to the user by displaying a generic tooth model where a portion of the model changes color based on the images corresponding to the portion being determined to be suitable to manufacture a dental aligner.
This invention relates to a dental scanning system that uses a mobile application to guide users in capturing intraoral images for creating dental aligners. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring sufficient image quality and coverage for accurate aligner manufacturing by providing real-time feedback during the scanning process. The mobile application displays a generic 3D tooth model that visually indicates which portions of the dental structure have been successfully scanned. As the user captures images, the corresponding sections of the model change color to show progress, confirming that the scanned data is suitable for aligner production. The system may also include a handheld scanner with a camera and light source to capture intraoral images, and a processing module to analyze the images and determine their suitability for aligner manufacturing. The feedback mechanism helps users ensure complete and high-quality scans, reducing the need for reshoots and improving the efficiency of the aligner creation process. The invention is particularly useful in telehealth or remote dental care scenarios where patients self-scan their teeth under guidance from a mobile application.
17. A scanning device comprising: a body configured to be held by a user to scan teeth of the user to acquire images of the teeth; a camera configured to acquire the images; a guide configured to orient the camera with respect to the teeth to facilitate acquisition of the images; and a communication circuit configured to communicate the images to a server system and a dental aligner fabrication system configured to develop a treatment plan for the user.
This invention relates to a handheld scanning device for capturing images of a user's teeth to facilitate dental aligner treatment. The device addresses the challenge of accurately capturing dental images in a clinical or home setting without requiring professional assistance. The scanning device includes a body designed to be held by the user, ensuring ergonomic handling during the scanning process. A camera is integrated into the device to capture high-resolution images of the teeth. A guide mechanism is provided to position and orient the camera relative to the teeth, ensuring consistent and accurate image acquisition. The device also includes a communication circuit that transmits the captured images to a remote server system and a dental aligner fabrication system. The server system processes the images to develop a personalized treatment plan, which is then used by the fabrication system to produce custom dental aligners for the user. This system streamlines the process of obtaining dental images and generating treatment plans, reducing the need for in-person dental visits and improving accessibility to orthodontic care. The device is particularly useful for remote or self-administered dental assessments, enabling efficient and cost-effective dental aligner fabrication.
18. The scanning device of claim 17 , wherein the guide is configured to interface with the teeth.
This invention relates to a scanning device for dental applications, specifically designed to interface with teeth for precise imaging or measurement. The device includes a guide that is configured to physically engage with the teeth, ensuring accurate positioning and alignment during scanning. The guide may incorporate features such as grooves, ridges, or other structural elements that match the contours of the teeth to prevent slippage and maintain stability. This ensures that the scanning process captures high-resolution, distortion-free images or measurements of the dental structure. The guide may be adjustable or customizable to accommodate different tooth shapes and sizes, enhancing versatility. The scanning device may also include additional components, such as sensors or imaging modules, to capture detailed data about the teeth and surrounding oral structures. The overall system is intended to improve the accuracy and efficiency of dental imaging, aiding in diagnostics, treatment planning, and the fabrication of dental prosthetics. The guide's direct interaction with the teeth ensures consistent results, reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing user error. This technology is particularly useful in dental clinics, orthodontics, and prosthodontics, where precise dental measurements are critical.
19. The scanning device of claim 18 , wherein the guide is configured to interface with a first tooth of the teeth to facilitate acquisition of images of a second tooth of the teeth.
This invention relates to dental scanning devices designed to capture intraoral images of teeth. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately imaging teeth, particularly when capturing images of one tooth while ensuring proper alignment and positioning relative to adjacent teeth. The invention provides a scanning device with a guide mechanism that interfaces with a first tooth to stabilize the device and facilitate precise imaging of a second tooth. The guide ensures consistent positioning, reducing errors and improving image quality. The device may include a housing with an imaging sensor and a light source to illuminate the teeth during scanning. The guide may be adjustable or removable to accommodate different tooth shapes and sizes. The system may also include processing circuitry to analyze the captured images and generate a 3D model of the teeth. The invention aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of dental imaging, particularly in applications such as digital dentistry, orthodontics, and restorative procedures. The guide mechanism ensures that the scanning device remains properly aligned with the target tooth, minimizing movement and distortion during image capture. The overall system may integrate with software tools for further analysis and treatment planning.
20. The scanning device of claim 19 , wherein the first tooth is coupled to a first jaw of the user and the second tooth is coupled to a second jaw of the user.
This invention relates to a scanning device for dental applications, specifically designed to capture intraoral scans of a user's teeth and jaw structure. The device addresses the challenge of accurately mapping dental anatomy by integrating with the user's natural jaw movement. The scanning device includes a first tooth and a second tooth, each coupled to a respective jaw of the user. The first tooth is attached to the first jaw, while the second tooth is attached to the second jaw. This configuration allows the device to track the relative motion between the upper and lower jaws during scanning, improving the accuracy of the resulting 3D dental models. The device may also include sensors or imaging components to capture detailed surface data of the teeth and surrounding oral structures. By leveraging the natural jaw movement, the invention enhances the precision of dental scans, which is particularly useful in orthodontics, prosthodontics, and other dental treatments requiring detailed intraoral mapping. The device may further incorporate wireless communication or data processing capabilities to streamline the scanning process and integrate with dental software systems.
21. The scanning device of claim 17 , wherein the guide is configured to be moved over the occlusal surfaces of a first jaw of the teeth of the user to acquire images of the teeth of a second jaw of the teeth of the user.
This invention relates to a scanning device for dental imaging, specifically for capturing intraoral images of a user's teeth. The device includes a guide that moves over the occlusal (biting) surfaces of one jaw to acquire images of the opposing jaw. The guide ensures precise positioning and alignment during scanning, allowing for accurate 3D reconstruction of the teeth. The scanning device may use optical sensors, such as cameras or structured light projectors, to capture detailed images of the teeth and gums. The guide may be adjustable to accommodate different jaw sizes and shapes, ensuring consistent imaging across multiple users. The system may also include processing components to analyze the captured images and generate a digital model of the teeth, which can be used for orthodontic treatment planning, dental prosthetics, or diagnostic purposes. The invention addresses the challenge of obtaining high-quality intraoral scans while minimizing patient discomfort and ensuring accurate alignment between the upper and lower jaws. The guide's design allows for efficient scanning of both arches without requiring separate scans for each jaw, improving workflow efficiency in dental practices.
22. The scanning device of claim 17 , wherein the guide is sized to interface with an occlusal surface, a lingual surface, and a labial surface of a tooth of the teeth of the user.
This invention relates to a scanning device for dental applications, specifically designed to capture precise 3D images of a user's teeth. The device addresses the challenge of accurately scanning dental structures, particularly the complex surfaces of individual teeth, to support dental diagnostics, treatment planning, and prosthodontics. The scanning device includes a guide that interfaces with multiple surfaces of a tooth—occlusal (chewing), lingual (tongue-side), and labial (lip-side)—to ensure stable positioning and consistent scanning accuracy. The guide's design allows it to conform to the tooth's anatomy, minimizing movement during scanning and improving data capture. The device may incorporate imaging sensors, such as optical or laser scanners, to generate high-resolution 3D models of the teeth. The guide's multi-surface engagement enhances precision by reducing parallax errors and ensuring uniform coverage of the tooth's contours. This technology is particularly useful in intraoral scanning, where stability and accuracy are critical for producing reliable digital impressions. The invention may also include features for aligning the guide with adjacent teeth or dental structures to further improve scanning consistency. The overall system aims to streamline dental imaging workflows while enhancing the quality of digital dental records.
23. A method comprising: providing a scanning device to a user that is operable by the user to scan teeth of the user, the scanning device comprising: a camera coupled to a body of the scanning device, the camera configured to acquire images of the teeth of the user; a guide coupled to the body, the guide configured to contact a guide set of teeth and maintain the camera at a substantially constant distance from a tooth being scanned in a scanning set of teeth in the mouth of the user; communicating the images from the scanning device to a mobile device of the user; communicating the images from the mobile device of the user to a server system; generating an orthodontic treatment plan based on the images communicated to the server system; and manufacturing one or more aligners based on the orthodontic treatment plan.
This invention relates to a system for capturing dental scans and generating orthodontic treatment plans. The problem addressed is the need for accurate, user-friendly dental scanning to facilitate remote orthodontic treatment planning and aligner manufacturing. The solution involves a handheld scanning device designed for self-use by patients. The device includes a camera mounted on a body to capture images of the user's teeth. A guide is attached to the body, which contacts a set of teeth (e.g., the upper or lower arch) to stabilize the device and maintain a consistent distance between the camera and the teeth being scanned. The user operates the device to scan their teeth, and the captured images are transmitted to a mobile device, which then forwards them to a server system. The server processes the images to generate a digital model of the teeth and creates an orthodontic treatment plan. Based on this plan, custom aligners are manufactured for the user. The system enables remote, patient-driven dental scanning and aligner production, reducing the need for in-person visits while ensuring precision in treatment planning.
24. The method of claim 23 , further comprising: determining, by the server system, whether the scan of the teeth is suitable for manufacturing the one or more aligners; and providing feedback to the user regarding whether the scan of the teeth is suitable for manufacturing the one or more aligners.
This invention relates to dental aligner manufacturing, specifically improving the quality control process for digital scans of teeth used to produce orthodontic aligners. The problem addressed is ensuring that the digital scans of a patient's teeth are accurate and suitable for manufacturing aligners, as poor-quality scans can lead to ill-fitting or ineffective aligners. The method involves a server system analyzing a digital scan of a patient's teeth to assess its suitability for aligner production. The system evaluates the scan for accuracy, completeness, and other relevant criteria to determine if it meets manufacturing standards. If the scan is deemed unsuitable, the system provides feedback to the user, such as a dentist or technician, indicating the issues and suggesting corrective actions. This feedback may include specific areas of the scan that need improvement, such as missing or distorted tooth surfaces, misalignment, or insufficient detail. The user can then rescan the teeth or adjust the existing scan to address the identified problems before proceeding with aligner manufacturing. This process ensures that only high-quality scans are used, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the final aligners. The system may also include additional steps, such as generating a 3D model of the teeth from the scan and simulating the aligner's fit before manufacturing.
25. The method of claim 23 , further comprising: displaying, by the mobile device, a generic image of a tooth model; and changing, by the mobile device, the generic image of the tooth model to a model of the teeth of the user in real time to reflect a progress of the scan.
This invention relates to dental scanning technology, specifically improving the user experience during intraoral scanning by providing real-time visual feedback. The problem addressed is the lack of visual guidance during dental scans, which can lead to user uncertainty about scan progress and accuracy. The solution involves a mobile device displaying a generic tooth model that dynamically transforms into a personalized 3D model of the user's teeth as the scan progresses. This real-time visualization helps users understand the scanning process, ensuring proper alignment and coverage. The system likely integrates with an intraoral scanner or camera to capture dental data, which is then processed to update the displayed model. The transformation from generic to personalized model occurs continuously, providing immediate feedback on scan completeness and quality. This approach enhances user confidence and reduces the need for rescans, improving efficiency in dental imaging workflows. The technology is particularly useful in telehealth or self-scanning applications where real-time guidance is critical.
26. The method of claim 25 , wherein an appearance of the model of the teeth of the user is changed based on whether the scan of the teeth is suitable for manufacturing the one or more aligners.
This invention relates to digital orthodontic treatment planning, specifically improving the accuracy and usability of 3D models of a user's teeth for manufacturing dental aligners. The problem addressed is ensuring that scanned dental data is suitable for aligner production, as poor-quality scans can lead to inaccurate or unmanufacturable aligners. The method involves generating a 3D model of the user's teeth from a scan and then modifying its appearance based on the scan's suitability for aligner manufacturing. If the scan is unsuitable, the model may be visually altered to indicate issues, such as missing data or misalignment, allowing for corrections before production. The method may also include analyzing the scan for defects, such as gaps or distortions, and adjusting the model's appearance to highlight these areas. This ensures that only high-quality scans are used for aligner fabrication, improving treatment outcomes. The invention may integrate with existing dental scanning and modeling systems, providing real-time feedback to dental professionals during the scanning process. The goal is to reduce errors in aligner production and enhance the precision of orthodontic treatments.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein changing the appearance of the model of the teeth comprises providing an indication of whether the scan of the teeth is suitable for manufacturing the one or more aligners.
The invention relates to digital orthodontic treatment planning, specifically methods for evaluating dental scans to determine their suitability for manufacturing orthodontic aligners. The process involves analyzing a 3D model of a patient's teeth to assess whether the scan quality and data accuracy are sufficient for producing precise aligners. The system generates visual or textual feedback indicating whether the scan meets manufacturing requirements, such as resolution, alignment accuracy, or completeness of dental structures. If deficiencies are detected, the system may suggest corrective actions, such as rescanning specific areas or adjusting scan parameters. This ensures that only high-quality scans are used for aligner production, reducing manufacturing errors and improving treatment outcomes. The method integrates with existing digital orthodontic workflows, where initial scans are processed to create virtual treatment plans, and aligners are fabricated based on these plans. By providing real-time feedback on scan suitability, the invention streamlines the workflow and enhances the reliability of orthodontic aligner manufacturing.
28. The method of claim 23 , further comprising: determining, by the scanning device or the mobile device, a confidence level associated with the scan, the confidence level indicating a likelihood that the scan is suitable for manufacturing the one or more aligners; and displaying, by the mobile device, the confidence level to the user as the images are acquired.
This invention relates to a method for scanning dental structures to create aligners, addressing the challenge of ensuring scan accuracy for manufacturing purposes. The method involves using a scanning device to capture images of a dental structure, such as teeth, and a mobile device to process and display these images in real-time. The scanning device may include a handheld scanner or an intraoral scanner that captures multiple images of the dental structure from different angles. The mobile device receives these images and constructs a three-dimensional (3D) model of the dental structure, which is used to design custom aligners for orthodontic treatment. The method further includes determining a confidence level associated with the scan, which indicates the likelihood that the scan is of sufficient quality for manufacturing the aligners. This confidence level is calculated based on factors such as image resolution, coverage, and alignment accuracy. The mobile device displays this confidence level to the user in real-time as the images are being acquired, allowing the user to adjust the scanning process if necessary to improve scan quality. This ensures that the final 3D model is accurate and suitable for producing aligners that fit precisely and effectively. The method may also include additional steps such as aligning the images, correcting distortions, and optimizing the 3D model for manufacturing.
29. The method of claim 23 , wherein the guide set of teeth comprises one or more teeth located on a bottom of the mouth of the user, and the scanning set of teeth comprises one or more teeth located on a top of the mouth of the user.
This invention relates to dental scanning systems, specifically methods for aligning and scanning dental structures. The problem addressed is the accurate and efficient scanning of a user's teeth, particularly when capturing both upper and lower dental arches. The method involves using a guide set of teeth and a scanning set of teeth to improve alignment and scanning precision. The guide set consists of one or more teeth located on the bottom (mandibular) arch of the user's mouth, while the scanning set includes one or more teeth on the top (maxillary) arch. The system uses the guide set to establish a reference position, ensuring proper alignment during the scanning process. This approach enhances the accuracy of dental scans by leveraging the positional relationship between the upper and lower teeth, reducing errors in 3D reconstruction. The method is particularly useful in digital dentistry, orthodontics, and dental prosthetics, where precise tooth alignment is critical for treatment planning and fabrication of dental appliances. The invention improves upon existing scanning techniques by providing a more reliable and streamlined process for capturing dental structures.
30. The method of claim 23 , wherein the guide set of teeth comprises one or more teeth located on a top of the mouth of the user, and the scanning set of teeth comprises one or more teeth located on a bottom of the mouth of the user.
This invention relates to dental scanning systems, specifically methods for aligning and scanning dental structures using guide and scanning sets of teeth. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately capturing dental impressions, particularly when aligning upper and lower teeth for precise scanning. The solution involves a system where a guide set of teeth is positioned on the top (maxillary) arch of a user's mouth, while a scanning set of teeth is positioned on the bottom (mandibular) arch. The guide set provides a reference for alignment, ensuring the scanning set captures accurate dental impressions. The system may include a scanning device that interacts with the guide set to determine the relative position of the scanning set, improving the precision of dental scans. This method enhances the accuracy of digital dental models by ensuring proper alignment between upper and lower teeth during the scanning process. The invention is particularly useful in dental imaging, orthodontics, and prosthodontics, where precise dental measurements are critical for treatment planning and fabrication of dental appliances.
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December 1, 2020
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